1. Form groups as assigned by the instructor. The mission of each group or temporary organization is to build the tallest possible Tinker Toy tower. Each group should determine worker roles: at least four students will be builders, some will be consultants who offer suggestions, and the remaining students will be observers who remain silent and complete the observation sheet provided below.

2. Rules for the exercise:

1. Fifteen minutes allowed to plan the tower, but only 60 seconds to build.

2. No more than two Tinker Toy pieces can be put together during the planning.
3. All pieces must be put back in the box before the competition begins.
4. Completed tower must stand alone.

Observation Sheet 1. What planning activities were observed?
Did the group members adhere to the rules?
2. What organizing activities were observed?
Was the task divided into subtasks? Division of labor?
3. Was the group motivated to succeed? Why or why not?
4. Were any control techniques observed?
Was a timekeeper assigned?
Were backup plans discussed?
5. Did a clear leader emerge from the group?
What behaviors indicated that this person was the leader?
How did the leader establish credibility with the group?
6. Did any conflicts within the group appear?
Was there a power struggle for the leadership position?